Scotland ease to victory against error-strewn Wales to seal first victory of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

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Scotland are up and running in the netball as the Thistles eased to a 56-47 win over Celtic rivals Wales, who are still yet to pick up a point in the tournament. The result significantly boosts the Thistles' bid for a top-five finish.

Highlights: Scotland overcome Wales for first win of Games

Video credit: TNT Sports

The hosts, looking to bounce back from their opening defeat to New Zealand in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, made a strong start to punish the Feathers' sloppy one to gain an early advantage in the first quarter.

While Wales recovered, thanks to the early introduction of Nansi Kuti, who was clinical in the shooting circle and used her jumping and reach to pick up loose balls, Scotland's Emma Barrie and Niamh McCall were too ruthless.

Wales showed signs of rallying as they put Scotland under pressure at the start of the second quarter but only won it by one point as they looked to close the early deficit.

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The Fearns shuffled their pack regularly while the Thistles did not waver, not making a single change as they slowly wore their opponents down to get a double-digit lead.

Scotland relaxed a bit in the final quarter, allowing Wales to close the deficit a little bit, but they were never close to mounting an extraordinary comeback.

There were further woes for Wales as centre Meg Pilkington was forced off through injury while Vicky Booth, who suffered an ankle injury in yesterday's loss to Uganda, also seemed to be struggling.

Wales have a rest day tomorrow before facing Trinidad and Tobago, while Scotland will face the Caribbean nation tomorrow, looking for back-to-back wins.

The hosts will now be dreaming of a fifth-placed finish, with their final match against Uganda potentially deciding their fate.

Full time! Wales 47-56 Scotland

Where was this energy at the start? Things could be going from bad to worse as Vicky Booth goes down and limps a bit on her ankle when getting up.

One last hurrah? No, Phillipa Yarranton misses and Scotland have the win.

That could be crucial in their bid for a fifth-placed finish.

Too little, too late for Wales

Q4 - Wales 45-53 Scotland

The Feathers are just playing for pride now, as Scotland relax a bit. Can they at least clinch this quarter?

They are in a good position to, with the deficit coming down to eight.

Game opening up as Scotland cruise home

Q4 - Wales 42-52 Scotland

Nansi Kuti has been one of the few rays of hope in this Wales team. It's opening up a bit now that Scotland feel comfortable.

Scotland take on Trinidad and Tobago, while Wales have a rest day to contemplate this result.

Scotland bite back

Q4 - Wales 39-49 Scotland

Lovely from Iona Christian as she links up a move forward before another sloppy bit of defending hands Scotland the penalty to convert.

Any chance of a Wales comeback has been snuffed out.

Good quarter for Wales so far

Q4 - Wales 37-46 Scotland

Emma Barrie misses a straightforward shot but is lucky to get the foul, while Niamh McCall tries a trick that doesn't come off.

Nansi Kuti tries to go back-to-back, but a Scottish interception halts momentum. The scoring is coming for Wales but is it coming quickly enough?

Kuti back on for Wales

Q4 - Wales 35-45 Scotland

Another penalty lets Niamh McCall open up proceedings in the quarter in routine fashion.

Nansi Kuti is back on for Wales at goal shooter. But McCall's long shots are just too much.

Fourth quarter underway

Q4 - Wales 33-43 Scotland

What can Wales do now? Ten is still gettable, even if it is a big ask.

Cerys Cairns, Bethan Goodwin and Jazmine Moore are about to come on. A sign that Scotland think this is done?

End of third quarter

Q3 - Wales 33-43 Scotland

Wales are trying to close this deficit and they are, but not quickly enough.

That slow start to the quarter cost them, which the Thistles ultimately won 15-12.

Scotland look set for first win

Q3 - Wales 31-42 Scotland

Wales needed something special in this quarter to get back in the game, but it's gone the other way. It's all falling apart now at both ends.

Everything needs to go their way now.

Scotland yet to make a change

Q3 - Wales 30-40 Scotland

This has been remarkable from Scotland, who are yet to make a change as the starting seven continue to do the job.

Phillipa Yarranton races around and links up well to leave Georgia Rowe an easy shot.

However, the match is typified when Iona Christian is able to create a chance for Emma Barrie with far more ease.

Match slipping out of Welsh control

Q3 - Wales 27-37 Scotland

Wales are starting to lose their heads a little, conceding penalties in the shooting circle which gives Scotland easy opportunities to rack up points.

Niamh McCall's long shots have been brilliant today, and have helped win the psychological battle too.

Pilkington off injured, Scotland extend lead

Q3 - Wales 25-35 Scotland

End-to-end this quarter. Who will blink first? Meg Pilkington has a problem here.

She's gone down holding her face I think. On comes Poppy Tydeman as Vicky Booth moves forward.

Rowe back on, and misses first attempt

Q3 - Wales 22-31 Scotland

No changes made by Scotland, but Wales bring Georgia Rowe back in at goal shooter for Nansi Kuti.

Phillipa Yarranton gets the first point of the second half, but Emma Barrie bites back. And Rowe misses her first point at Glasgow 2026!

Scotland are seemingly buoyed by that as they take an early advantage in the third quarter.

Third quarter underway!

Q3 - Wales 21-28 Scotland

Both teams have only missed one goal each, but Scotland lead five interceptions to Wales's one. Wales have been far more guilty when it comes to conceding penalties too.

Here we go for the ever-pivotal third quarter. Can Wales mount a comeback, or will Scotland hold on?

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Half-time! Wales 21-28 Scotland

Q2 - Wales 21-28 Scotland

Another quarter of two quarters, but this time Scotland were able to salvage it in the final few minutes.

Wales may have won the quarter, but will feel they should have closed the gap more than they did.

Scotland push forward

Q2 - Wales 20-27 Scotland

Huge roars as Niamh McCall sinks another long shot, but Nansi Kuti displays her jumping power to reach Phillipa Yarranton's Hail Mary.

Yarranton opts against shooting and her pass to Kuti is intercepted. Scotland sneak forward and, after a bit of argy-bargy between Leah Middleton and Emma Barrie, the Scot converts.

Scotland stem the flow

Q2 - Wales 18-22 Scotland

What a turnaround this has been. Now it's Scotland who need to hold on. Emma Barrie gets a crucial point to stem the flow of Welsh points.

They have a little period of possession that will ease the nerves before Barrie scores again. Five minutes remaining until half-time.

Kuti making the difference

Q2 - Wales 17-20 Scotland

Those substitutions have come off perfectly for Wales. They are well ahead in this quarter and you can sense the nerves around the Hydro.

Nansi Kuti has been the difference. Her shooting is less clinical than Georgia Rowe, but her movement is creating more chances.

Wales slowly reeling Scotland in

Q2 - Wales 14-20 Scotland

Phillipa Yarranton gets away with a loose ball to Nansi Kuti as Finn concedes a penalty through contact. Kuti strikes again and Wales have some momentum.

However, Niamh McCall goes from range and gets the point! Momentum wrestled back a bit from Scotland.

Scotland beginning to make a couple more errors

Q2 - Wales 11-19 Scotland

It's been an even start to the quarter, but you get the sense Scotland are just managing this eight-point advantage.

Wales are forcing more errors out of Scotland though.

Second quarter underway

Q2 - Wales 8-16 Scotland

Wales look a bit shellshocked as they regather with their tactics. It looks like Phillipa Yarranton took a hand to the mouth as she's currently nursing it with an ice cube.

Back underway. Another change for Wales as Vicky Booth, heavily strapped up, is on. As is Leah Middleton at goal keeper

End of first quarter

Q1 - Wales 8-16 Scotland

Niamh McCall goes from range but can't convert. No Super Shot in this format, of course.

Nansi Kuti has certainly raised the level for Wales as the first quarter comes to a close.

The first quarter comes to an end, and it was a quarter of two quarters. The first was dominated by Scotland while the second was more even.

Wales beginning to grow into match

Q1 - Wales 7-15 Scotland

Emma Barrie is unstoppable right now, and keeps Scotland's advantage at eight points. However, Nansi Kuti, who's training to be a neurosurgeon alongside netball, gets her first point at Glasgow 2026.

Kuti shows fantastic reach in the shooting circle and converts too. Better from Wales.

Wales are starting to go toe-to-toe with Scotland but will they rue their slow start?

Wales make early change

Q1 - Wales 3-11 Scotland

There has been little to separate the two teams in terms of shooting but, having said that, Phillipa Yarranton misses for the first time for Wales.

Either way, Scotland have been streets ahead in their build-up play.

Wales make an early change, as Georgia Rowe is hooked for Nansi Kuti. They need to do something to wrestle back momentum.

Five minutes to go.

Rowe clinical but lacking service

Q1 - Wales 3-8 Scotland

Emma Barrie is not missing right now, and these turnovers are really costing Wales.

Georgia Rowe, who is 6'5" tall by the way, gets her 33rd point at Glasgow 2026, out of 33 attempts. Clinical.

Rowe is now unhappy with a pass from Phillipa Yarranton, as Scotland go forward again, but this time fumble the ball out of the court.

Scotland earning early advantage

Q1 - Wales 2-5 Scotland

Niamh McCall goes for a long shot but to no avail. She offloads to Emma Barrie on the second attempt though who nets a far easier chance.

Wales are being wasteful as they concede another turnover in the shooting circle and Scotland drive forward and Barrie has too much space and converts.

Scrappy start for both

Q1 - Wales 1-2 Scotland

Good start from both goal shooters as they get on the board at the first time of asking.

Scotland earn the first turnover though. Can they take the lead? They win penalty, but Emma Barrie strays out of court.

More turnovers as the game gets scrappy.

First quarter underway

Q1 - Wales 0-0 Scotland

It will be Wales to get proceedings underway with Meg Pilkington!

Out come the teams!

Both teams are fighting for a potential top six/top eight finish here, but Wales need a win otherwise they are unlikely to reach that, after their loss to Uganda.

Scotland have a bit more wriggle room as they were never expected to get a result against New Zealand.

Here come the players! The Hydro is packed.

Confirmed teams for today

As expected, Vicky Booth misses out with injury but Bethan Dyke is fit enough to start. Poppy Tydeman comes into wing defence.

Wales

GK: Leah Middleton
GD: Caris Morgan
WD: Poppy Tydeman
C: Meg Pilkington
WA: Bethan Dyke
GA: Phillipa Yarranton
GS: Georgia Rowe

Scotland

GS: Emma Barrie
GA: Niamh McCall
WA: Iona Christian
C: Hannah Leighton
WD: Hannah Grant
GD: Emily Nicholl
GK: Cerys Finn

What happened elsewhere yesterday?

England were defending champions in the artistic gymnastics, but had to settle for bronze as Australia stormed their way to gold.

Aussie dominance continued in the pool as Sam Williamson beat Adam Ramsay-Peaty to gold. Ramsay-Peaty had to settle for bronze, with Jersey's Filip Nowacki taking silver.

England also finished in silver behind Australia in the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay, but Georgia Sheffield and Will Ellard took home gold in their women's and men's 200m freestyle S14 in the Para swimming.

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Video credit: TNT Sports

What happened yesterday in the netball?

We have mentioned a few of yesterday's results in passing but let's take a full look at the scores and the state of play:

New Zealand 74-44 Scotland
Australia 99-38 Tonga
England 83-34 Northern Ireland
Wales 50-59 Uganda
Jamaica 81-22 Trinidad and Tobago
South Africa 65-44 Malawi

Who is in Wales's squad?

Wales's squad is spearheaded by experienced heads in Bethan Dyke and Georgia Rowe, but is otherwise a somewhat inexperienced lineup but one full of promise.

Team Wales Netball squad

Alex Johnson – GK/GD

Leah Middleton – GK/GD

Caris Morgan – GD/GK

Poppy Tydeman – WD/GD

Vicky Booth – C/WD

Megan Pilkington – C/WD

Bethan Dyke – WA/C

Lowri Windsor – WA/C

Phillipa Yarranton – GA/WA

Zoe Matthewman – GA/GS

Nansi Kuti – GS/GA

Georgia Rowe – GS

Who to look out for in Scotland's netball squad

Scotland have a new-look squad compared to their disappointing Birmingham 2022 campaign, with five players being selected for the Commonwealth Games for the first time.

Those players are Lexy Gillies, Cerys Cairns, Cerys Finn, Hannah Grant and Jazmine Moore, while Emily Nicholl, Bethan Goodwin and Niamh McCall make their third appearances.

Since making their netball debut in 2014, Scotland have never finished higher than ninth.

Team Scotland Netball Squad:

Rachel Conway – GK/GD

Cerys Finn – GK/GD

Emily Nicholl – GD/WD

Hannah Grant – WD/GD

Hannah Leighton – C/WD

Lexy Gillies – C/WD

Iona Christian – WA/C

Jazmine Moore – WA/C

Cerys Cairns – GA/WA

Niamh McCall – GA/GS

Bethan Goodwin – GS/GA

Emma Barrie – GS

What happened to Wales and Scotland last time out?

Both teams walked away from the Hydro empty-handed yesterday, but will be feeling differently about their efforts.

Wales led Uganda 31-28 at half-time but slumped to a 59-50 loss after a disappointing third quarter. The Welsh Feathers also lost Vicky Booth to an ankle injury early on.

Scotland managed to keep New Zealand honest for large parts of the match, but tired in the final quarter, eventually losing 74-44.

Both sides will back themselves to get the win today so it should be a cracker.

What's in store today?

Today brings more top sporting action, not just on the netball court but all across Glasgow.

Individual gymnastics champions are crowned, while another blockbuster night of swimming features distance races, sprint finals and Para medal events. Two heavyweight netball clashes also headline the day.

Netball (09:00-12:30) – Wales face Scotland before England take on defending champions Australia in one of the standout group matches.

Artistic gymnastics (12:00-15:00, 18:00-21:00) – The men's and women's individual all-around champions are crowned.

Swimming and Para swimming (19:00-22:00) – Finals include the women's 1500m freestyle, men's 50m freestyle, men's 100m butterfly and S9 100m backstroke events.

Welcome!

Good morning everyone and welcome to our live coverage as hosts Scotland take on Wales in the second round of group stage matches.

Both sides lost their openers and, while few expected Scotland to get anything against last edition's silver medallists New Zealand, Wales will be disappointed to leave their match with Uganda empty-handed.

Which Home Nation will get their first win of the tournament today?

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